§ Mr. Maxwell-Hyslopasked the Minister of Health if he will give details of current plans for hospital building and extensions in Devon; and what progress is being made in reducing waiting lists for hospital beds for persons requiring surgical treatment.
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§ Mr. Powell:Major works nearing completion at the Digby Hospital, Exeter, will provide 141 additional beds, staff accommodation and improved heating and kitchen facilities; I have now asked the regional hospital board to go ahead with the first phase of a new hospital at Wonford, Exeter; in addition, the board has in hand 28 smaller building schemes and seven plant replacement schemes. The board is also considering development and extensions of Torbay Hospital. Some reduction in the waiting list for surgical beds in the Plymouth area has been made by bringing into use additional beds at the Devonport branch of the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, and by the use of some beds at the Royal Naval Hospital, Devonport.